Suspension Components?
​
Springs: Cushioning and absorbing the shock of road bumps.
Coil Springs- Most cars and trucks these days have coil spring suspensions.
Leaf Springs-Application: Common in both trucks and older vehicles.
Dampers (Shock Absorbers): Regulate the rebound of the springs to provide a smoother ride.
Struts: A type of shock absorber and spring combined in a single unit, used in front suspensions.
Control Arms: Link the suspension to the vehicle’s frame, and let things move in a controlled manner.
Ball Joints: Pivot joints that link the control arms and steering knuckles.
Stabilizer Bar (Sway Bar): Minimizes side-to-side body roll around turns.
Bushings: Help to cushion and reduce the friction between suspension parts.
Types of Suspension
​
Independent Suspension

Considered the standard front suspension system with a strut assembly at each wheel.
Double Wishbone (Double A-Arm): incorporates two control arms for better cornering and driver comfort.
Multi-Link: Numerous arms and links for perfect wheel control and a good ride.

Dependent Suspension

Live Axle (Solid Axle): Two wheels connected by one axle, typically in trucks.
Torsion Beam: A basic and inexpensive rear suspension setup.

Semi-Independent Suspension

Twist Beam: Utilizes the best of both independent and dependent suspensions, typically employed in small cars.

Common Suspension Issues
​
Tired/Weakened/Broken Springs: Can lead to incorrect ride height and handling.
Shock Absorbers or Struts: If leaking will cause a bouncy ride, and there will be no damping.
Bushings Worn Out: Creates lousy movement and noise while on suspensions.
Ball Joints Gone Bad: Can contribute to steering issues, and uneven tyre wear.
Non-aligned Wheels:Cause uneven tyre wear and poor handling.
Broken Sway Bar Links: Cause excessive body roll and poor handling during turns.
Sagging suspension: Most commonly the result of tired springs or shock absorbers, leading to a lower ride height and reduced handling.
Routine maintenance and checks can make it easier to find and fix these problems before they lead to a much larger project.